Alumna’s jellyfish find permanent home at Portland airport

After the success of her first exhibit at the Portland International Airport, Sayuri Sasaki Hemann B.A. ’03 is bringing back her jellyfish just in time for the busy holiday travel season.

Hemann’s new three-dimensional underwater exhibit, Tidepools, can be found on Concourse D, home to international flights, including those to and from Narita, Japan. The setting is appropriate as Tidepools is dedicated to those affected by the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami.

“In creating this piece, I create a witness to the ever-changing currents of travelers and passengers that pass by the exhibit every day,” Hemann said. “Just as the creatures in the tide pools witness all the waves that crush into the pools and rejoin the big, big body of water.”

The permanent installation mirrors Hemann’s Underwater Flight display showcased last year as part of the airport’s rotating exhibits. In her work, Hemann uses organza to suspend each jellyfish from the ceiling to create an imaginary underwater world.

A studio art major, Hemann credits Lewis & Clark with allowing her to explore a variety of interests before following her passion.

“I especially loved taking drawing classes from Debra Beers, who taught me how to look at something and translate into my own lines through my body,” Hemann said. “I took technical lighting and drafting classes, which helped me create my senior art project. I also appreciated being surrounded by friends with so many different interests. I would never get that from going to an art school.”

To learn more about Hemann’s work, visit her website, or to view photos taken by passengers, use the hashtag #tidepoolsflypdx.